George Zimmerman charged with second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin

George Zimmerman has been charged with the murder of Trayvon Martin, two months after the Florida neighbourhood watch volunteer admitted shooting the black teenager.

George Zimmerman (left) has been charged with the second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin (Picture: Reuters)

The arrest and charge follows weeks of mounting tensions and protests across the US as Trayvon’s parents were joined by civil liberty campaigners expressing shock that Mr Zimmerman, 28, had not been brought into custody.

Mr Zimmerman claimed he shot the 17-year-old in self-defence under Florida’s controversial ‘stand your ground’ law, which gives people scope to use deadly force without having to retreat when under attack.

His new lawyers said he would plead not guilty to the second-degree murder charge, which comes with a possible life sentence if convicted.

Trayvon’s parents Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton watch a news conference where charges against George Zimmerman are announced (Picture: Reuters)

Special prosecutor Angela Corey announced the charges last night but would not disclose the case against Mr Zimmerman.

Trayvon’s killing sparked allegations of racial bias and police misconduct that reached all the way to the White House, where president Barack Obama noted: ‘If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.’

A statement from Trayvon’s parents Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton following Mr Zimmerman’s arrest said: ‘We are still devastated by the loss of our son Trayvon Martin, and nothing can bring him back.

‘But today, we are heartened to tell you that justice may finally be served for Trayvon.’